If you're an iPad user and feel like notifications keep interrupting you when you most need to focus, you're probably not yet taking full advantage of the potential of the modes of concentration and the “Do Not Disturb” feature, which have been redesigned.
In this article we tell you everything you need to know to configure, customize and take advantage of the Focus modes, notification management, and Do Not Disturb on your iPadFrom how to create your own profiles to how to automate them by time or location.
What is a concentration mode and what is it used for?
With the arrival of iPadOS 15, Apple revolutionized the way devices manage notifications with the introduction of modes of concentrationThis feature goes far beyond the typical "Do Not Disturb" option, allowing you to create different profiles based on what you're doing: working, resting, driving, enjoying your free time, etc.
The idea is for the iPad to behave differently depending on the context. For example, you can mute everything except important calls during a work meeting, or block messaging apps while you're studying. All this is done from the Concentration settings, adapting to your needs and daily routines. If you'd like to learn more about the different concentration modes, check out this article. here.
Where to find and how to activate Focus Modes on your iPad
To manage all this, you must go to Settings > Focus modesThere you will find several profiles configured by default, such as:
- Do not bother
- Free time
- Work
- Rest
Additionally, you can create your own custom profiles by clicking the "+" button in the top right corner. A wizard will open, guiding you step-by-step through setting up your new profile.
Once created, these modes can be activated manually from the Control center (by swiping down from the top right of the screen and tapping the moon icon), or automatically following rules that you can define yourself (by time, location, or app).
Customize which people or apps can send you notifications
One of the main advantages of focus modes is that you can control exactly who can interrupt you and from whereThis is divided into two categories: People and Apps.
Within each mode, tap “Allowed Notifications” and decide the following:
- People: Select the contacts who will be able to call or message you during this mode.
- Apps: Choose which apps can send you notifications.
You can also set exceptions by using urgent notificationsFor example, if someone texts you something important, they can force a notification to bypass restrictions (if you allow it). Learn more about how to turn off notifications on your iPad. here.
Hide distractions from the home screen and lock screen
Beyond notifications, Apple also lets you control what appears visually on your iPad when Focus Mode is activated. From the Focus Mode settings panel, you can access:
- Starting screen: Choose which pages you want to display and whether you want to hide notification bubbles.
- Lock screen: Decide whether you want to dim it, block changes, or allow access to certain elements like the notification center.
This is especially useful if, for example, you have a screen full of social media apps that you don't want to see while you work. You can hide those pages automatically during your workday. If you're interested in customizing your lock screen, check out our article on how to do it here.
Filter content within your own apps
A very powerful feature is the ability to use so-called Concentration filtersThis allows you to control what content is displayed within specific apps when you're in a certain mode.
Go to an already created mode, tap on “Focus Filters” and add filters according to the app:
- Calendar: Show only certain personal or work calendars.
- E-Mail: Filter by specific email accounts.
- Posts: Show only conversations with allowed contacts.
- Safari: Use only certain tab groups.
This level of customization helps you focus on what's important by removing unnecessary input within apps based on context. If you'd like to learn more about using filters in Safari, visit our article on the reader mode in Safari.
Schedule times or automations to activate them
Focus modes can not only be activated manually. You can also set them to activate automatically depending on several factors:
- Time of the day: Ideal for Sleep mode to activate at night.
- Location: To activate Work mode when you arrive at the office.
- Specific app: For example, activating a special mode when opening a meditation app or reading articles.
You can configure all of this by clicking “Add schedule or automation” within the focus mode you're editing.
How modes sync between devices
Once you've set up your focus modes on your iPad, you can have them automatically activate on all your Apple devices (iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch) thanks to the “Share between devices” function.
Activate this option at the top of the Focus Modes menu so that the Apple ecosystem works together, avoiding having to activate the same mode individually on each device. If you have an iPhone, you can also learn how to use Do Not Disturb mode. here.
Tips for using Siri and linked wallpapers
You can also Turn focus modes on or off using SiriFor example, you can say, "Hey Siri, turn on Do Not Disturb mode," and Siri will manage it for you. This is especially useful if you have your hands full or are driving.
Additionally, if you have a device with iPadOS 16 or later, you can link a lock screen wallpaper to a focus mode. So, simply by choosing a specific background, the corresponding mode is automatically activated (for example, selecting the “Zen landscape” background activates your meditation mode).
How to delete or modify a focus mode
If at any point you no longer need a focus mode, you can easily delete it:
- Open Settings > Focus Modes.
- Tap on the mode you want to remove.
- Scroll down and tap Remove focus mode.
You can also modify any previously created mode by accessing its settings. There's no limit to the number of times you can adjust or refine it.
What is the difference between “Do Not Disturb” and other modes?
Do Not Disturb mode is the classic mode that silences all notifications without exception, but it's now part of the Focus mode group and can be customized like any other.
The main difference is that “Do not disturb” is more generic and direct, while the other modes allow for a more detailed level of customization based on the environment (work, rest, leisure, etc.). You can set it as a base profile for specific situations where you don't want to be interrupted at all. If you want to restrict and set communication limits or block apps on your iPhone, check out this guide.
With all the secrets of focus modes, notifications and the "Do not disturb" On your iPad, you have complete control over what goes in and what doesn't in your digital life.
These adjustments, although they may seem complex at first, are your best ally to maintain concentration, avoid distractions, and protect your moments of rest or productivity.
